logo
Nottingham Forest end London Pulse unbeaten streak

Nottingham Forest end London Pulse unbeaten streak

Forest now sit just three points outside the top four, behind London Mavericks who beat LexisNexis Cardiff Dragons 72-61 after extra-time.
Loughborough Lightning beat Manchester Thunder 65-53 to move within two points of leaders Pulse, while Birmingham Panthers edged out NIC Leeds Rhinos 71-69 in extra-time.
Pulse felled by Forest
Nottingham Forest ended London Pulse's unbeaten streak with a brilliant 69-59 win over the league leaders in Round 8 of the Netball Super League.
An relatively even start to proceedings saw hosts Forest lead 36-31 at the break, with Rolene Streuker pouring in a healthy 18 goals to hand her side control of the match entering the interval.
Though Pulse had managed to keep it close in the first half, they could not match Forest's energy after the restart, with the hosts exploiting Streuker's deadeye prowess during the Soft and Gentle Super Shot, supported by Iona Christian's precise passing to pull away in the third quarter.
Though Pulse rallied back in the last 15 minutes, Forest held on to inflict a first defeat of the season on the capital-based side, with Christian named Kissimmee Player of the Match after an impressive 35 feeds, four pick ups and one gain.
Panthers break Rhinos hearts
Birmingham Panthers picked up their second win of the season after a thrilling 71-69 extra-time defeat of NIC Leeds Rhinos.
Panthers lost out to Rhinos in the season opener but exacted some revenge after little to separate both sets of teams in normal time.
The hosts led the match 59-57 with 30 seconds left on the clock but Rhinos' Joyce Mvula's steely shooting forced the match into extra-time.
Both sides had been evenly matched throughout the first four quarters and it was the same story in the extra period.
Rhinos had seemingly won it but a costly turnover led to Betsy Creak converting to tie the scores 69-69 before Gabby Sinclair sunk a Soft and Gentle Super Shot to clinch victory and move her side within two points of fifth-placed Nottingham Forest.
Lightning strike down Thunder
Second-placed Loughborough Lightning moved within two points off top spot with a 65-53 defeat of Manchester Thunder.
Lightning outgunned Thunder to lead 38-27 at the interval, with Samantha Wallace-Joseph leading the way after sinking five supershots.
There was more of the same in the second half as Thunder struggled to contain Lightning's sharpshooting, with Wallace-Joseph ending the game having scored 23, but it was former Thunder defender Shadine van der Merwe who proved the visitors' undoing thanks to her work rate and defensive know-how, earning Kissimmee Player of the Match honours.
The South African's influence was felt throughout the game as she halted her former side's attempts at building momentum.
Mavericks deny Dragons
London Mavericks defeated LexisNexis Cardiff Dragons 72-61 in the first game of the season to go to extra time.
With 60 minutes failing to separate both teams, the spoils went Mavericks' way as Dragons continue their search for a first win of the campaign.
Dragons led 29-24 after the opening half and extended their advantage to 10 points during the third quarter, only for Mavericks to level the scores entering the final 15 minutes.
Both teams continued to trade blows but the final whistle blew with the scores tied at 55-55 to incite extra time.
The added period saw Emma Thacker convert three successive Soft and Gentle Supershots to give Mavericks control of proceedings and the Londoners held on to claim all three points.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

NBA Finals Game 2 live updates: Thunder-Pacers prediction, TV channel
NBA Finals Game 2 live updates: Thunder-Pacers prediction, TV channel

The Herald Scotland

time17 minutes ago

  • The Herald Scotland

NBA Finals Game 2 live updates: Thunder-Pacers prediction, TV channel

Tyrese Haliburton, who contributed 14 points and 10 rebounds, gave the Pacers the lead with 0.3 seconds remaining in the contest with a clutch jumper. It would be enough to secure the shocking 111-110 win. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a prolific night for Oklahoma City, dropping 38 points on 14-for-30 shooting. Pascal Siakam led the way for Indiana, posting 19 points on 7-for-15 from the field. It all adds up to a must-see Game 2. USA TODAY Sports - including NBA reporter Jeff Zillgitt from Oklahoma City and NBA reporter Lorenzo Reyes - will provide the latest updates, highlights, analysis and more throughout the game. Follow along. What time is Thunder vs Pacers game today? The Oklahoma City Thunder hosts the Indiana Pacers for Game 2 of the NBA Finals at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. The game is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. Where to watch Indiana Pacers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Game 2 Watch the NBA Finals with Fubo Where is Game 2 between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder? The Oklahoma City Thunder hosts the Indiana Pacers at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City for Game 2 of the NBA Finals. The Oklahoma City Thunder are favorites to even the series 1-1 with the Indiana Pacers in Game 2 of the 2025 NBA Finals, according to BetMGM (odds as of Saturday, June 7): Spread : Thunder (-10.5) : Thunder (-10.5) Moneyline : Thunder (-625); Pacers (+450) : Thunder (-625); Pacers (+450) Over/under: 228.5 The Oklahoma City Thunder enter Game 2 as the favorite to win the 2025 NBA Finals over the Indiana Pacers, according to BetMGM (odds as of Saturday, June 7) Series winner: Thunder (-350); Pacers (+275) USA TODAY: Every expert picks the Thunder Ahead of the series opener, all of the NBA experts at USA TODAY Sports picked the Oklahoma City Thunder to beat the Indiana Pacers in the 2025 NBA Finals Scooby Axson: Thunder in five Thunder in five Cydney Henderson: Thunder in six Thunder in six Jordan Mendoza: Thunder in six Thunder in six Lorenzo Reyes: Thunder in six Thunder in six Heather Tucker: Thunder in five Thunder in five James Williams: Thunder in six Thunder in six Jeff Zillgitt: Thunder in five USA TODAY: Nearly every expert picks the Thunder in Game 2 Scooby Axson: Pacers 124, Thunder 117 Pacers 124, Thunder 117 Jordan Mendoza : Thunder 104, Pacers 92 : Thunder 104, Pacers 92 Lorenzo Reyes : Thunder 111, Pacers 102 : Thunder 111, Pacers 102 Heather Tucker : Thunder 117, Pacers 110 : Thunder 117, Pacers 110 James Williams : Thunder 115, Pacers 95 : Thunder 115, Pacers 95 Jeff Zillgitt: Thunder 120, Pacers 109 The Oklahoma City Thunder host the Indiana Pacers at 8 p.m. ET with coverage on ABC. Game 2 between the Thunder and Pacers is available on ABC. Fans also can stream the action with Sling TV and Fubo, which offers a free trial for new users. Game 1, June 5: Pacers 111, Thunder 110 Pacers 111, Thunder 110 Game 2, June 8: Pacers at Thunder Pacers at Thunder Game 3, June 11: Thunder at Pacers | ABC, Fubo | 8:30 p.m. Thunder at Pacers | ABC, Fubo | 8:30 p.m. Game 4, June 13 : Thunder at Pacers | ABC, Fubo | 8:30 p.m. : Thunder at Pacers | ABC, Fubo | 8:30 p.m. Game 5, June 16 : Pacers at Thunder | ABC, Fubo | 8:30 p.m.* : Pacers at Thunder | ABC, Fubo | 8:30 p.m.* Game 6, June 19 : Thunder at Pacers | ABC, Fubo | 8:30 p.m.* : Thunder at Pacers | ABC, Fubo | 8:30 p.m.* Game 7, June 22: Pacers at Thunder | ABC, Fubo | 8 p.m.* All times Eastern; *-if necessary Odds via BetMGM on Saturday, June 7. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (-300) Tyrese Haliburton (+340) Pascal Siakam (+1300) Jalen Williams (+6600) Chet Holmgren (+15000) Myles Turner (+15000) Andrew Nembhard (+15000) The Oklahoma City Thunder have one NBA Championship. It came in 1979 when the franchise was located in Seattle as the SuperSonics. It has not won a title since moving to Oklahoma City in 2008. The Indiana Pacers have not won an NBA Championship. It has two Eastern Conference titles (2000, 2025). Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Chet Holmgren Jalen Williams Luguentz Dort Alex Caruso Isaiah Joe Cason Wallace Jaylin Williams Aaron Wiggins Kenrich Williams Isaiah Hartenstein Ousmane Diang Nikola Topic Ajay Mitchell Dillon Jones Tyrese Haliburton Pascal Siakam Myles Turner Benedict Mathurin Obi Toppin Andrew Nebhard Aaron Nesmith T.J. McConnell Isaiah Jackson Jarace Walker Ben Sheppard Johnny Furphy James Johnson Thomas Bryant Official assignments are announced at 9 a.m. on the day of the game. Here are the referees assigned to the 2025 NBA Finals. Tony Brothers (14th Finals) David Guthrie (eighth Finals) James Capers (13th Finals) Ben Taylor (first Finals) Marc Davis (14th Finals) Josh Tiven (sixth Finals) Tyler Ford (first Finals) James Williams (fifth Finals) Scott Foster (18th Finals) Sean Wright (second Finals) John Goble (ninth Finals) Zach Zarba (12th Finals) Eastern Conference finals No. 4 Indiana Pacers def. No. 3 New York Knicks, 4-2 Western Conference finals No. 1 Oklahoma City Thunder def. No. 6 Minnesota Timberwolves, 4-1 NBA Finals No. 4 Indiana Pacers vs. No. 1 Oklahoma City Thunder (Pacers lead series 1-0) Per Dustin Dopriak of the Indianapolis Star, part of the USA TODAY Network, Walker is "going to be out for a while" and is officially ruled out for Games 1 and 2 of the Finals, meaning his earliest possible return would be for Game 3 on June 11 in Indianapolis. More on Walker's injury from USA TODAY's Jon Hoefling.

Part of Thunder's identity traces roots to Oklahoma City bombing
Part of Thunder's identity traces roots to Oklahoma City bombing

The Herald Scotland

time17 minutes ago

  • The Herald Scotland

Part of Thunder's identity traces roots to Oklahoma City bombing

But they all have knowledge of the crime and tragedy because every Thunder employee - from the business side to basketball operations, from first-round draft pick to a player on a two-way G League contract - visits and tours the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum. "I was on that tour within a month of working here," said Daigneault, who was hired as the franchise's G League coach in 2014. "There's literally no one that's ever put a logo on their chest that has not been through there because it's just such a big part of the story of the city and the kindness, the compassion that the city has and this community has not only for the team but for one another." April 19 marked the 30th anniversary of the bombing, and the memorial and museum has conducted several events honoring victims and their families and sharing history. There is no question the bombing shaped the city and region, contributing to its resolve, strength and sense of community. The memorial and museum are one mile north of the team's arena in downtown Oklahoma City, and about 500,000 people visit the sacred ground annually. The memorial is marked by solemnity and a reminder of evil. On a recent morning, visitors walked through the outdoor portion of the memorial. At one end, the 9:01 Gate "represents the innocence before the attack" - the bombing happened at 9:02 - and the 9:03 Gate "symbolizes the moment healing began." The 168 chairs represent each of the people killed in the bombing, the survivor wall - a remnant from the explosion - and the survivor tree, "a living symbol of resilience," are part of the outdoor memorial. Kari Watkins is the president and CEO of the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum and has had a significant role in creating a space that honors and teaches through a variety of storytelling methods, including interactive exhibits. Watkins, one of USA TODAY's 2025 Women of the Year, was the memorial and museum's first employee. She said Thunder executive vice president and general manager Sam Presti reached out to her. "I met with him, talked to him and took him through (the memorial and museum), and we've become good friends," Watkins told USA TODAY Sports. "He is more than a GM to me. He is a friend." Presti is on the memorial and museum's executive committee. "We have this term called the Oklahoma Standard," Watkins said. "It was a term that (Tom) Brokaw coined the first night of his broadcast in 1995 talking about how Oklahomans were a little different. They were cowboy tough, they were resilient, they were strong, and they had set the standard he had never seen before. ... "I'll never forget one board meeting, I don't know, 10 years ago, eight years ago, Sam said, 'You guys take this for granted. You think everybody takes care of their neighbors.' Everybody steps up, and it says so much about the people of the city. They just go and do things. They serve others, they help others. And there's a kindness level here, and we've worked on that harder because of Sam's influence." OPINION: How Pacers coach Rick Carlisle helped Thunder GM Sam Presti break into NBA C-suite USA TODAY Women of the Year: Pacers CEO Mel Raines relishes building community through sport On Friday, June 6, Watkins led NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and Thunder owner Clay Bennett on a tour. "I was telling the commissioner the reason I think it's so important is because we are starting to see the same dehumanization and hear the same anti-government rhetoric, and we're hearing all those same noises we heard in 1995, and we've got to stop it," Watkins said. "We've got to figure how to sit down and listen." Caruso, the Thunder's key reserve guard, started his professional basketball career with the Thunder's G League team in 2016. That's when he visited the memorial and museum for the first time. "The cool thing about the organization is no matter how big, small, what your role is on the team, you make a trip out there just to learn about the history of it and how it did impact the community and understand why the relationship is so tight between this team and organization and the community," Caruso said. Said Watkins: "What the perpetrators sought to do in 1995 was to divide our city. And if you're here, you see a city that's united. And so those were the lessons we learned, and we just want to keep, we're passing them on to thousands of school kids a year. "But when you wear the words Oklahoma City on your jersey, you are an ambassador for your city. And so when they come through, they learn the story. Most of them don't know it. They weren't alive. And unless they've Googled it or seen it somewhere, they don't know the story." They now know the story, woven into the heart and soul of the city. Follow NBA reporter Jeff Zillgitt on social media @JeffZillgitt

Thunder pack counterpunch in Game 2, even series with Pacers
Thunder pack counterpunch in Game 2, even series with Pacers

Reuters

time28 minutes ago

  • Reuters

Thunder pack counterpunch in Game 2, even series with Pacers

June 9 - OKLAHOMA CITY -- Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander learned a lesson to open the NBA Finals. "You can't just throw the first punch," Gilgeous-Alexander said after Game 2 of the NBA Finals against the visiting Indiana Pacers on Sunday night. "You've got to throw all the punches all night." Gilgeous-Alexander and the rest of the Thunder threw plenty of haymakers, helping Oklahoma City to a 123-107 victory to even the best-of-seven series 1-1 going into Wednesday's Game 3 in Indianapolis. That was a departure from Game 1 last Thursday, when the Thunder led by 15 in the fourth quarter before Indiana came back to win the game 111-110 on a basket in the final second. Gilgeous-Alexander led the way on Sunday for Oklahoma City, scoring 34 with eight assists, five rebounds and four steals and went 11 of 12 on free throws. There were plenty of areas of improvement from Game 1 for Thunder coach Mark Daigneault to point out after the victory. Oklahoma City had more success turning Indiana's turnovers into points at the other end, got better production from Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams, had nearly double the assists after posting a season-low 13 in Game 1, and got an offensive spark off the bench from Alex Caruso and Aaron Wiggins. Daigneault said none of those alone were the difference maker, but all came together for a much better result for his team. "I think we were just a little bit better in a lot of areas," Daigneault said. The biggest stretch of the game came in the second quarter, when the Thunder ripped off a 19-2 run that was fueled by both their defense and Gilgeous-Alexander's finishes on the other end. To that point, Oklahoma City's defense hadn't forced many turnovers and it hadn't taken advantage of the few it had caused. But during that big run, Gilgeous-Alexander scored seven of Oklahoma City's last nine points -- all off Pacers' turnovers. Indiana quickly answered with a 10-0 run to make it 52-39, but never got closer than that 13-point deficit. The Thunder outscored the Pacers 26-12 in the paint in the first half and, for the series, now lead 88-68 in that category. "They're the best team in the league at keeping the ball out of there," Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. "... It's a tough task." In Game 1, Jalen WIlliams and Chet Holmgren combined to shoot just 8 of 28 from the floor, with Holmgren going just 2-for-9 with six points. Holmgren looked much more settled early on in Game 2, hitting five consecutive shots after missing his first of the game. While Williams wasn't overly efficient, scoring 19 points on 5-of-14 shooting, he did go 8-for-9 at the free-throw line and added five assists. Holmgren finished with 15 points while Caruso added 20 and Wiggins 18 off the bench. Tyrese Haliburton, the star of Game 1 after hitting the game-winning shot in the final second, led the Pacers with 17 points, though 12 of those came in the final quarter with the game fairly well in hand for Oklahoma City. Over the first two games of the series, Haliburton is a combined 3-for-9 with nine points before halftime. "I have to figure out how to be better at the beginning of games," Haliburton said. "Kudos to them; they are a great defensive team." A big part of the Thunder's defensive success against Haliburton has been thanks to Luguentz Dort. He has spent plenty of time guarding Haliburton but was on the opposite side of the floor for Haliburton's Game 1 winner. Dort finished with just three points, though Caruso gave Dort plenty of credit for the victory. "He knows the role he needs to play for us to win the series and pick up that trophy at the end," Caruso said. Myles Turner added 16 for Indiana, while Pascal Siakam scored 15 points on 3-of-11 shooting. --Field Level Media

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store